Ophthalmology Commons^™

Severe Ocular Alkali Injury Managed With An Externally Sutured Amniotic Membrane And Customized Symblepharon Ring, Sophia S. Lam, Bonnie Sklar, Marisa Schoen, Christopher J. Rapuano

Student Papers, Posters & Projects

Alkali injuries are ocular emergencies that require immediate evaluation and therapy to preserve vision. Severe alkali injuries can result in long‑term vision‑threatening sequelae including symblepharon, corneal ulceration, corneal scarring, limbal stem cell deficiency, xerophthalmia, cicatricial changes of the eyelid and adnexa, glaucoma, uveitis, and permanent vision loss. Treatment is aimed at neutralizing the pH, controlling inflammation, and restoring the ocular surface. Here, we present the case of a 35‑year‑old male who sustained direct ocular exposure to sodium hydroxide, resulting in significant corneal and conjunctival epithelial defects despite aggressive initial medical therapy. The patient subsequently received a large, externally sutured amniotic …